NAME: Jakob James
SCHOOL: Elder High School
SPORT(S): Football
GRADUATING YEAR: 2020
BIRTHDATE: 2/11/2002
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'5"-285 lbs.
PARENTS: Craig & Renea
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Cousin Matt James
FUTURE GOAL: College degree

Anchoring the line for the Elder Panthers is big (6'5", 285 lbs.) offensive tackle and future Ohio State Buckeye Jakob James, a senior and a three-year varsity player.

Jakob has helped the Panthers get off to a 7-1 start, with wins vs. previously unbeaten St. Xavier as well as Gahanna Lincoln, Indianapolis Cathedral, Clearwater Academy, Ryle, Moeller and Winton Woods. So far, the Panthers offense has amassed 3,300 yards rushing and passing with 44 touchdowns. They also have 1,509 receiving yards with 17 TDs.

His junior year, Jakob helped anchor the most explosive offense in the Greater Catholic League-South. The Panthers led the GCL-South in yards per game (370.1), rushing yards per game (133.7) and passing yards per game (236.4). The Panthers went 8-5 and were Div. I regional runners-up, and Jakob was named 2nd team GCL South, 2nd team all-city (Enquirer) and 2nd team SWO District-Offense.

Last April, Jakob participated in the prestigious Under Armour All-American Camp. Jakob is the son of Elder offensive line coach Craig James and he will play his football collegiately up I-71 in Columbus.

His favorite athlete is Quenton Nelson, favorite entertainer is Will Farrell, favorite book is Where Men Win Glory, favorite movie is Blind Side and most-like-to-meet is Michael Jordan.

COACH'S QUOTE – "He is a football player, through and through. He grew up around the game; so he understands what it takes on the field and off the field, in-season and out-of-season, to be a good football player. Add in his physical attributes -- 6'5, 285 lbs., good footwork, athletic kid. You end up with what we have, a real good football player."
— Eddie Eviston, Football Coach.